Leonardo DiCaprio Says Turning Down THIS Mark Wahlberg Movie is His ‘Biggest Career Regret’

Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio, who just turned 50, has a résumé filled with iconic roles. We’ve seen him in romantic dramas such as “Titanic” and thrillers like “The Revenant” and “Shutter Island.” 

Safe to say the actor is one of the biggest masterminds of his generation, and something tells us he is only getting started. But, in a recent interview with Esquire, DiCaprio confessed there’s one project he wishes he had taken. It was none other than the 1997 Paul Thomas Anderson film “Boogie Nights.”

‘Boogie Nights’ ft. Mark Wahlberg

The film tells the story of Eddie Adams. A bold teenage dishwasher who rises to stardom in the 1970s adult film industry under the name Dirk Diggler. Mark Wahlberg, now 54, famously portrayed the character, which put him in the spotlight immediately. But, surprisingly enough, the role was actually originally offered to DiCaprio.

“I’ll say it even though you’re here: My biggest regret is not doing ‘Boogie Nights,’” DiCaprio told Anderson. “It was a profound movie of my generation. I can’t imagine anyone but Mark in it. When I finally got to see that movie, I just thought it was a masterpiece.”

Why did he decide to turn down the role? Well, he was busy doing something pretty big. And by that, we mean he had already signed on for James Cameron’s “Titanic.” Yes, you know that movie that pretty much arguably launched him into global superstardom? That one. Still, even with hindsight, the actor admitted the “what if” moment lingers.

While he may regret missing out on “Boogie Nights,” DiCaprio is keeping busy. He is set to star in the upcoming Paul Thomas Anderson action-thriller “One Battle After Another,” playing Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary on the run from law enforcement. Sean Penn is also involved in the film, starring as investigator Steven Lockjaw. Additional cast members include big names such as Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, Regina Hall, Benicio del Toro, and Chase Infiniti.

“It’s been on your desk for a long time, Paul,” DiCaprio told Anderson, referring to the film’s script. “But ultimately, wanting to do this movie was pretty simple: I’ve been wanting to work with you—for something like 20 years now. And I loved this idea of the washed-up revolutionary trying to erase his past and disappear and try and live some sort of normal life raising his daughter.”

No Hard Feelings Here from Leo DiCaprio or Mark Wahlberg!

Despite the regret, there are no hard feelings between the actors whatsoever. DiCaprio and Wahlberg share a long history involving films. Previous films include “The Basketball Diaries” in 1995 and later in “The Departed” in 2006. Wahlberg admitted in past interviews that their early encounters were slightly tense, but they quickly became close friends after working together.

“One Battle After Another” is set to hit theaters Sept. 26, giving audiences a chance to see DiCaprio tackle a brand-new role while reflecting on the career decisions that shaped his journey.

So yes, even legends like DiCaprio have “what if” moments, just like us. But hey, it’s true what they say, everything happens for a reason. In this case, missing “Boogie Nights” meant the world got to see Wahlberg grow into a successful actor even more. As for DiCaprio, he went on to blossom into a romantic drama heartthrob who, to this day, has plenty of masterpieces to his name.